Son of Savabeel under pressure to win on debut
Regally-bred colt Magice has plenty of pressure to live up to his family name but he will begin that challenge when he makes his debut in the TwoYear-Old 1150 at Rotorua today.
Bred by Waikato Stud, Magice is by the farm’s champion stallion Savabeel and out of Group 3 winner Magic Dancer, making him a fullbrother to Group 1 winner Noverre.
Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis out of Waikato Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $800,000, Noverre went on to win three and place in three of his seven starts, including victories in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m).
He was retired to stand at Waikato Stud, where he has served books of 127 and 136 mares respectively in the past two seasons.
Magice has been retained by Waikato Stud and has been entrusted to the care of Matamata trainer Glenn Old, who has a high opinion of the colt and is excited to see what he can do on debut.
“His trials have been quite good. He had a couple of educational ones early days and his trial [win] at Taupō was very good,” Old said.
“We gave him a quiet trial the other day to pass the barrier certificate because he got his legs over the gates at Pukekohe and had to be scratched.”
Magice has drawn barrier 12 and will be ridden by Craig Grylls today.
“There are a few scratchings so it’s only going to be a seven or eighthorse field, so he should be able to get into the one-one hopefully or outside the leader,” Old said.
“He’s shown some potential but we won’t know until raceday pressure as to how he responds. We’re hopeful for a nice run [today].”
Old will also line up Candycane in the Campbell 1560 for breeder-owner Sir Peter Vela.
“She has been a bit disappointing but she’s due a win, so we’re hopeful,” he said.
Later in the week, Old is looking forward to heading to his home track where he will line up Kaimai Warrior in the Auto Super Shoppe Matamata 1600.
“He’s going to the paddock after Friday and is a nice stayer for next season hopefully,” Old said.